The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-07-21
RELIEF CORPS NEWS.
GleaningS from National Headquar-
terS--NOteS from the Departments.
HEADQUARTERS WoMAs's RELIEF CORPS
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
ELIZABETH D'A. KINNE, National President
NELLIE U. BACKUs. National Secretary.

ELIZABETH D'A. KINNE, National President.
NELLIE q. BACKUs. National Secretary.
419 GALA ST., SAN Francisco, CAL,
July s, 1887.
DEAR TRIBUNE: The National President
frequently receives letters asking to whom a
Corps can extend relief, and If it can assist any
but the families of the comrades of the Post
whose name the Corps bears. While a subOr-
dinate Corps cannot be chartered unless the
application for charter is signed as approved
by Post Commander and the Corps thus
chartered bears the name of the Post whose
Commander signed the application, yet the
charities of that Corps are not necessarily con-
fined to that Post.
In many instances old-established and
1ourishng Posts have a large relief fund, and
the services of the Corps are not called upon
except in visiting the sick or to provide some
little luxury, possibly clothing, or to aid the
Post in social entertainments, and yet the Corps
may at the same time be aiding the families Of
veterans or of soldiers who are numbered among
the 100000 who did not return to home and
loved ones at the close of the war Such cases
never appeal in vain 10 Corps, and thousands
OF dollars are expended every year and large
quantities of clothing distributed among wild
ows aud orphans. All the proof required by
Corps from applicants for assistance is that
they are veterans of the civil war or their de-
pendents, and substantial aid is Immediately
and cheerfully given.
Only two days ago a disabled veteran pre-
sented himself at National Headquarters, and
was anxious TO get back to LeavenwOrth, Kan.
lie was without money or friends in San Fran
cisco, and desired money TO take him to his
friends. The Relief Corps came promptly TO
his assistance, furnished the money for railroad
fare and packed a lunch basket, aud sent the
old soldier away happy.
As the WOmans Relief Corps was organized
for purposes of charity, Corps should keep their
treasury well supplied, for each year the de-
mand Tor such assistance rs they are able to
give viii increase. Many widow who has
struggled and worked for years to provide for
herself and family finds herself unable longer
TO work, health and sight falling, and to the
Relief Corps she naturally turns for comfort
and support. 1t is very gratifying to know
that while these demands are increasing the
means for meeting them are also increasing.
aud everywhere new Corps are being organized
and old ones gaining members.
The new Department of Maryland, the last
one organized. is making excellent progress,
the membership of the Corps in Baltimore in
creasing; the ladies are working nobly, and
assisting the Posts at their Campfres and enter
talnments. The Department will probably
number 10 Corps at the close of the quarter
Sarah Plummer, Department President of
Michigan, Is very enthusiastic over the increase
of membership and interest in her State.
Mrs. Marion l.. Powell, Chairman of the
Committee for the fifth National Convention,
has secured very beautiful and convenient
hall for the Convention, and also one for the
reception which will be given by the WR.C
TO the GAR. The committee are working
earnestly and faithfully, determined TO do all
in their power for the comfort of all who may
attend the Convention.
The National Chaplain, Mary Garard, writes
most cheerfully and encouragingly Of our
progress of the work in Iowa. and is looking
forward with much pleasure to a Reunion at
St. Louis. She is anxiOusly awaiting the re-
ports of the Department Chaplains, which she
should receive by the 18th of the present
month, and there certainly can be no possible
excuse for delinquent report. Miss Garard
is very prompt herself, and will not delay her
report for laggards.
Among the pleasant members Of the Order
that 1t was our good fortune to meet at Port
land, Me-. we were especially delighted with
Mrs. Alkaline Kent, the able President of the
Department Of New Hampshire, and the Past
National Junior Vice. Illness in the family
has prevented her the past few months from
active duties in the Corps, but her interest has
in no degree lessened, and she assures US that
she has watched with pleasurable pride the adj
vancement of our beloved Order during the
past year. 1t was a great disappointment to
Mrs. Kent not 10 have been able TO attend the
fourth National Convention in San Francisco
but we certainly hope that We may have her
cheerful presence and valuable assistance at st.
Louis.
1t is to be confidently expected that nothing
will prevent any Of the past National Officers
from attending the next Convention.
EUREKA.